FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

It is a network of cameras installed within the PNW precinct, accessible from a central location for viewing and replaying footage captured across all cameras. This system provides an additional tool in the fight against crime and the promotion of community safety. It is not intended to replace existing measures such as armed response and private security companies, but rather to complement and enhance them.

The PNW Street Camera Project aims to complete the initial installation of 300 cameras within a timeframe of less than 5 years. However, achieving this goal is contingent upon securing adequate funding and resources. The project’s operational target is to install a minimum of 5 cameras each month.

It’s important to understand the purpose of the PNW Street Camera Project: it serves as an additional resource in the fight against crime, NOT as a substitute for your current security measures like alarms or armed response. The project’s success depends on collaboration with local security providers, so we urge residents to subscribe to their services, ensuring they remain viable partners for the PNW initiative.

Yes, the PNW Camera Project has secured the necessary approvals. It is approved by the Community Policing Forum and the Diepriver Police Station Commander. Furthermore, the project is registered with the City of Cape Town, complying with Policy Number 21207 (enacted by council on 25 June 2014 – C63/06/14).

Ownership of the cameras and infrastructure rests with PNW. This community initiative was made possible thanks to the generous financial contributions of residents. The project’s ongoing success and ability to reach its full potential depend on this continued support, so we kindly ask you to consider making regular donations.

The Executive Committee (EXCO) of the Plumstead Neighbourhood Watch is responsible for overseeing the PNW Street Camera Project.

Yes, private cameras can potentially be added to the PNW Street Camera Project. This requires the camera to view the street, meet necessary technical specifications, and for you to sign the project’s terms and conditions. The camera project team will assess each potential camera and location first to ensure they meet project standards.

We have multiple layers of security, including limited and restrictive access to cameras, comprehensive logging of when and who  accessed a camera as well as an embedded watermark in video footage and images identifying the user.

Due to security protocols, access to view the PNW Street Camera feeds is tightly controlled and restricted to a very small number of people. Therefore, general access is not available.

Due to security protocols, access to playback of the PNW Street Camera feeds is tightly controlled and restricted to a very small number of people. Therefore, general access is not available.

No, you cannot directly obtain camera footage. If footage from the PNW Street Cameras may be relevant to a crime, the correct procedure is to open a case with the South African Police Service (SAPS). Once a case number is assigned, the SAPS Investigating Officer handling the case can formally request the footage from the project.

Yes, absolutely! Financial contributions are essential for the PNW Street Camera Project. Your donations help fund both the installation of new cameras and the ongoing maintenance of the entire system and its infrastructure. Regular monthly contributions are especially valuable as they provide consistent support for the project’s needs.

The goal is to maintain camera operation during load shedding. This is primarily achieved by installing cameras where inverter backup power already exists. While the project can install a UPS at crucial sites lacking power backup, this isn’t standard for all locations due to cost constraints. Consequently, cameras at sites relying solely on Eskom power without an inverter or project-funded UPS will likely be offline during load shedding periods.

Yes, the installers meet vetting and registration requirements. At present, PNW works with a single installation company, Homesecurity1st . This company has been vetted, is registered with the relevant professional bodies, and ensures its staff have current police clearances. Homesecurity1st has been donating its services to support the project, and its owner is also an active PNW member and patroller.

You can read some reviews for Homesecurity1st on Google.

No, there will not be constant, 24/7 live human monitoring of the PNW Street Cameras. Instead, the system primarily relies on the cameras’ integrated AI features to generate alerts when specific events occur or during certain periods. Additionally, PNW Virtual Patrollers will monitor the feeds intermittently, as and when they are available.

As a homeowner hosting a PNW Street Camera, your responsibilities include providing the necessary electricity and internet connection for the camera at your own cost. You also need to keep an eye on the camera and report any physical issues or damage you notice to PNW. It’s important to notify PNW beforehand if you plan to undertake any work or make changes that might impact the camera, or if you are planning to move from the property.

No, your Wi-Fi security will not be compromised. The PNW Street Camera connects using a physical network cable directly to your fibre router, not wirelessly via your Wi-Fi network. The camera then establishes its own secure outbound connection to our management server. We do not access your Wi-Fi password or make any configuration changes to your router.

So in short, you will forget the camera is connected to your internet connection.

No, approval cannot be given by a tenant. Only the property owner has the authority to approve a camera installation on their premises and accept the terms and conditions for the PNW Street Cameras Project.

Yes, using an existing camera pole is certainly possible and often preferred if it’s suitable. The key requirements are that the pole must be able to safely support the weight and type of camera the PNW Street Camera Project installs, and it must be positioned to provide the necessary view of the street. When a suitable existing pole is available, we gladly utilize it because it saves considerable cost and installation time for the project.

While you may not receive a formal paper design beforehand, the entire installation process is done in collaboration with you, the homeowner. You will work directly with the installation team on-site to agree on the best position for the camera and the most practical and discreet route for the network cables before the installation work commences. Your input and approval of these details are crucial.

You should notice very little impact on your internet bandwidth. The cameras use efficient, modern data compression. For data the camera receives (inbound), it’s less than 20MB per hour, so it won’t affect your ability to stream videos or browse the web. While the camera sends more data outbound (uploading), this usually has a negligible effect because typical home internet connections are used much less for uploading large amounts of data.

No, your privacy will not be invaded. The PNW Street Camera Project ensures this by strictly directing cameras to view only public areas. Furthermore, any portions of surrounding private properties that might unavoidably be in the camera’s line of sight are digitally obscured using “blackout masks” (privacy zones), ensuring private spaces are not monitored or recorded.

A property’s suitability is judged on specific criteria. The main requirements are a good street view (ideally including a corner) and access to fibre internet. Other factors like the ease of installation and the property’s existing security are also considered during the evaluation.

Your fibre connection is used only as a pathway for the PNW camera to establish its own secure and encrypted outbound connection to our management server. This process ensures your information and network are safe: we do not access or monitor your other internet activity, we won’t make any changes to your fibre router’s settings, and we don’t require any access to your Wi-Fi network. Only the camera’s encrypted data is transmitted via your connection. For details on data usage volume, please see the information under the question ‘How much internet bandwidth will the camera consume?’.

Currently, the information suggests no one is deriving a direct financial profit from the PNW Street Camera Project. The work has been performed by volunteers donating their time, and equipment was purchased by PNW at cost. However, PNW plans to formalize its arrangement with the installation company through an agreement, which likely means the installer will receive payment for future services (the exact financial terms aren’t specified). So, while run on a non-profit basis by volunteers initially, the installer may gain financial compensation going forward.

Yes, membership in PNW is required. The good news is that becoming a member is straightforward and carries no obligations; you simply need to complete the signup process on the PNW website.

Click HERE to became a member.